Overview of Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss.
Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss., also known as Schimper's daisy, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. It is native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and can be found growing in dry habitats such as sand dunes, rocky hillsides, and meadows.
Common Names
Aside from Schimper's daisy, Asteriscus schimperi has a few other common names, including:
- Starved Daisy
- Yellow Starved Daisy
- Yellow Egyptian Daisy
Appearance
Asteriscus schimperi has a low-growing, spreading habit and reaches a height of about 20-30 cm. It has lobed, grey-green leaves and features yellow, daisy-like flowers that measure up to 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowers have a distinctive dark centre and are typically borne on slender stems that rise above the foliage. Asteriscus schimperi blooms from late spring to late summer.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Asteriscus schimperi has been used to treat a variety of ailments, such as fevers, coughs, and stomach problems. The plant also has potential as a natural insecticide due to its insecticidal properties. Additionally, Asteriscus schimperi is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage.
Light Requirements
Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss. is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. It can grow in partial shade, but it will not reach its full potential and may have stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives best in areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C during the day and 5°C to 15°C at night. It can grow in temperatures as low as -5°C, but it may suffer from frost damage or die in extreme cold.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils that have high fertility levels. It thrives in loamy, sandy or gravelly soils, and it can tolerate alkaline and moderately acidic soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.
The plant can also grow in poor soils, but it requires regular fertilization and watering to achieve optimal growth. Overwatering should be avoided as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Watering Requirements
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It thrives in environments with moderate to high humidity levels, and it can tolerate brief periods of drought. Overwatering should be avoided as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Asteriscus schimperi is a hardy plant that can adapt well to different growing conditions. It can be grown in both pots and in garden beds. When planting, make sure to use well-draining soil and ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Watering needs
Asteriscus schimperi requires moderate watering. During summer seasons, the plant may require more frequent watering, while during winter, watering can be reduced. It is important to ensure the soil is not waterlogged as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for promoting healthy growth in Asteriscus schimperi. You should provide it with slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time or as top-dressing midseason. Additionally, you can add liquid fertilizer to the soil during the growing season.
Pruning
Asteriscus schimperi does not require significant pruning. However, trimming off dead or damaged leaves can help to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. You can prune the plant at the end of the flowering season to encourage new growth in the next season.
Propagation of Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss.
Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss. is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Yemen. This plant is commonly known as the star aster or the yellow daisy.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss. can be done by using seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from fully matured flowers or seedpods. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried in a cool and dry place before sowing.
The best time to sow Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss. seeds is during the spring season. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix that is prepared by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Seed germination can take up to two weeks, and the young seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they have grown two sets of true leaves.
Propagation by division
Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss. can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the root clump of a mature plant into several segments, each containing a small section of the root and stem.
The best time to divide the plant is during the early spring or fall. The divided segments should be planted in prepared soil mix and watered regularly until they become established.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Asteriscus schimperi (Boiss.) Boiss. can also be done by using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tips of a mature plant during the early spring or summer.
The cuttings should be approximately 10 cm long, with at least two sets of leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded, warm location until they develop roots. Once rooted, the new plant should be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management
Asteriscus schimperi is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it can be affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases.
One of the most common fungal diseases that affect Asteriscus schimperi is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It thrives in humid environments and can be prevented by ensuring proper air circulation and watering the plant in the morning. If the plant is already infected, it can be treated with a fungicide such as neem oil or copper fungicide.
Bacterial leaf spot is also a common problem that can occur in Asteriscus schimperi. Bacterial leaf spot causes small, brown spots on the leaves and can be prevented by watering the plant at the soil level and not overhead. If the plant is infected, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Pest Management
Asteriscus schimperi can be attacked by some pest species, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, the plant can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can also be introduced to control aphid populations.
Spider mites are another common pest that can attack Asteriscus schimperi. They can be identified by the webbing and yellow or brown stippling on the leaves. Spider mites thrive in warm, dry conditions so the plant can be sprayed with water to increase humidity. Alternatively, neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to control the spider mite population.
Finally, whiteflies can be problematic for Asteriscus schimperi. They cause the leaves to yellow and can be managed by introducing beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps or by using insecticidal soap.
